Are you ready to make a difference?
Thank you for showing an interest in Activate X, our new Student Leadership Programme for 2026-27! We are really excited to start this programme and to have you join us.
Activate X is a new year-long student leadership programme designed for students who want to develop their confidence, discover their leadership potential and make a real difference within their college and community.
This opportunity is about learning what leadership is – and putting leadership into action.
Throughout the year, you’ll take part in taught sessions, practical activities and project work that will help you develop the skills and confidence to become an effective leader.
What will you do?
As an Activate X student, you’ll:
- Develop your confidence and communication skills
- Learn how to turn ideas into action
- Build teamwork, collaboration and relationship skills
- Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Set goals and lead projects
- Develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Explore different leadership styles and discover your own
- Have opportunities to influence student life at college
- Work on a real project that creates positive change
You’ll learn about leadership through doing, not just listening.
What could you gain?
By the end of the programme, you’ll have developed skills that can support you in college, work and beyond.
You’ll have the opportunity to build:
- Confidence – Believe in your ideas, your abilities and your voice.
- Communication – Learn how to communicate effectively with different people and audiences.
- Leadership – Understand what makes an effective leader and develop your own leadership style.
- Teamwork – Learn how to bring people together, manage different perspectives and achieve a shared goal.
- Problem solving – Identify challenges, generate ideas and find practical solutions.
- Project skills – Plan, organise and deliver a project from an idea to an outcome.
- Resilience – Learn how to handle challenges, setbacks and feedback.
- Influence – Develop the confidence to speak up, share ideas and create positive change.
Who is Activate X for?
Activate X is for students who:
- Want to develop their leadership skills
- Have ideas they would like to turn into action
- Want to make a positive difference
- Are interested in developing their confidence
- Enjoy working with other people
- Want to challenge themselves and try something new
- Are curious about what they could achieve
You don’t need to think of yourself as a leader already.
You just need to be willing to learn, get involved and have a go.
What is the commitment?
Activate X is a year-long programme combining taught leadership sessions with practical project work.
You’ll be expected to attend the sessions, take part actively and contribute to your project.
This is an opportunity to develop yourself while making a difference to others.
Ready to join Activate X?
Applications are now open!
To apply, complete an Activate X application form:
- Activate X | Sign Up Form – Reading College
- Activate X | Sign Up Form – City of Oxford College and University Centre
On your application, please tell us:
- Why you’re interested in Activate X
- What you would like to get out of the programme
- Your ideas, interests or experiences
- How you think you could contribute
Don’t worry if you don’t have leadership experience.
We’re interested in your ideas, enthusiasm and potential – not whether you’ve already been a leader.
How to apply
- Scan the QR code or follow the application link
- Complete the Activate X Microsoft Form
- Submit your application
- We’ll review applications and contact you with the next steps
Have a question?
Speak to your Student Experience team or your tutor if you’d like to find out more.
Your ideas. Your voice. Your opportunity.